Chime keeps going off

[stillgregandwillbe]

New guy here!
My truck is a 2004 Ram Diesel with 147,xxx miles.
My truck was BLOWN UP (alleged DK driver hit it while parked) while in the possession of a repair shop. Major repairs... New differential, leaf springs, bed AND the electrical system shorted. Both batteries replaced, new ecu, all of the wiring harnesses - everything. Now, the dash shows "lamp out" from time to time. It is only an inconsistent thing. Today, it went for about an hour and then stopped completely. Before the truck was hit, I never had a problem unless a lamp really was out - I replaced it and on we went. Now, when it goes off, there is no way to stop it. I've stopped at a parts stores to ask assistance with locating the blown lamp when the chime alerts - none is blown... Any ideas?

 

[ranger 393]

My truck did the same thing I replaced the tail light bulbs and it stopped, sometimes when mine lamp out light came on I couild apply the brakes and it would go out. Thats how i figured out it was the taillight bulbs.

 

[p-Bar]

Ranger is on the right track . The sockets are actually the bad part especially on our older trucks they upgraded later on. You can use some dialetric grease where the bulb comes in contact with the socket contacts. You can buy it at Home depot in the electrical section comes in a small tube. Welcome to TDR.

 

[Crunch]

If your truck was so damaged that they had to replace all that you listed they should have bought you a new truck, because no matter what they do to fix it your truck will never be the same. I'm guessing that the frame is also sprung, and as time goes on you will definitely notice that. If you haven't signed a release for their liability yet, don't sign one until you are 100% satisfied with how you have been taken care of. As far as the lamp out chimes goes, the boards that hold the rear turn signal and brake lamps are notorious for melting due to heat from the lamps. I've replaced the same board twice over the years for my '03. Luckily, it's only about a $30 part at the dealer.

 

[stillgregandwillbe]

Just wanted to say thanks for the help! I replaced all of the tail light assembly bulbs with NAPA parts - they have 2 filaments on each side of the bulb and they sit more securely than the Sylvania bulb with only 1 filament per side. Also added the di-electric grease. So far, so good. Crunch, you're right, it'll never be the same. Electric system gets really bizarre from time to time... And, I'm thinking the insurance company wishes they had replaced the truck, too. I have the repair guarantee for as long as I own the truck - every rattle gets reported!!
Glad I was pointed toward this website by my brother - glad it's here. I've already given the info to several of my friends!!

 

[Crunch]

Just wanted to say thanks for the help! I replaced all of the tail light assembly bulbs with NAPA parts - they have 2 filaments on each side of the bulb and they sit more securely than the Sylvania bulb with only 1 filament per side. Also added the di-electric grease. So far, so good. Crunch, you're right, it'll never be the same. Electric system gets really bizarre from time to time... And, I'm thinking the insurance company wishes they had replaced the truck, too. I have the repair guarantee for as long as I own the truck - every rattle gets reported!!
Glad I was pointed toward this website by my brother - glad it's here. I've already given the info to several of my friends!!

Their insurance company is going to get tired of keeping up on it very quickly. Make sure you stay current on all maintenance and keep every scrap of paper it generates. If the insurance company can find any way to say that something you did or did not do is the cause of the problem they will try to slither out of paying for it. They will also no doubt depreciate their responsibility by saying that X just happens when the truck gets older, so tough luck. I'd also keep a log book of every problem you notice, including date and what you were doing when you first noticed the problem and what you are doing whenever it occurs. If you can show a trend rather than just an isolated problem you might have a better chance of them fixing it. You need to especially ride them for electrical problems, as wiring may have been partially sliced or crimped when the damage was done. That could cause anything from intermittent connections to one of your computers getting fried, and even a slice in just the insulation will cause the wires to corrode over time, maybe even years. On the bright side, if there can be one is that the insurance company may get tired of covering the cost for problems and offer you a cash settlement or offer to buy a comparable truck if you close out the claim with them. If they do that, and you are seriously thinking about accepting their offer make it contingent on them letting you keep your old truck on top of any offer. They may balk at that, but if they are wanting to close out the claim you are in a position to exert some leverage, especially if you let them think you will take them to court if they want to stop paying to keep your truck fixed.